political patronage
[/pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˈpeɪtrənɪdʒ/]
noun
clientelismo político
1. The practice of a political leader or party granting favors, jobs, contracts, or other benefits to supporters and allies in exchange for political support and loyalty
The senator distributed government contracts as political patronage to reward his campaign supporters.
O senador distribuiu contratos governamentais como clientelismo político para recompensar seus apoiadores de campanha.
2. The system or practice of using political power and public resources to benefit friends, family members, and political allies rather than based on merit or public interest
Critics argue that political patronage undermines meritocratic principles in civil service.
Críticos argumentam que o clientelismo político enfraquece os princípios meritocráticos no serviço público.
Political patronage has deep historical roots in both Brazilian and American politics. In Brazil, it remains a significant and widely discussed issue, particularly regarding public sector appointments and government contracts. The term 'clientelismo' is frequently used in Brazilian media and political analysis to critique this practice as a barrier to institutional modernization. In the United States, while nominally discouraged, political patronage persists in various forms, often euphemistically called 'constituent services' or 'bringing home the bacon.' This practice is a persistent challenge to good governance in both countries.
NYC Slang
machine politics, pay-to-play, the fix is in
Related Idioms & Phrases
political quid pro quo
to owe someone a political favor
to cash in on political support
back-scratching
political machine
the spoils go to the victor
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